CHANGES IN INFLAMMATORY MEDIATORS DURING ORTHOTOPIC LIVER-TRANSPLANTATION

Transplantation is associated with an inflammatory rejection response. Graft reperfusion causes typical haemodynamic and biochemical respons es. In this study we have investigated the relationship between these haemodynamic responses and changes in circulating inflammatory mediato rs after graft reperfusion in 10 consecutive patients undergoing ortho topic liver transplantation. After reperfusion, systemic vascular resi stance index decreased (P=0.011) and cardiac index increased (P=0.038) . These characteristic haemodynamic changes of the reperfusion syndrom e were accompanied by global increases in cytokine concentrations. Pla sma concentrations of leukotrienes decreased, while thromboxane B-2 an d platelet activating factor remained increased throughout. Reperfusio n-mediated changes in inflammatory mediators may account for the haemo dynamic disturbance.